India-Nepal relation exemplary in the world: PM Modi

KATHMANDU, April 2: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India-Nepal relation is developing as a unique example in the world. 

PM Modi made the remarks while addressing the joint press meeting with Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, India earlier today following a delegation-level bilateral talk led by Prime Ministers of both countries.

Stating that the friendly ties between India and Nepal and the mutual relations between people of both countries remained a unique example, Modi claimed such an example was not seen in any country in the world.

Furthermore, during the joint press meeting, the Indian Premier mentioned that the thread between India and Nepal has been interlinked since ancient times at various levels including civilization, cultural and mutual relations. "We have been an all-weather friend since time immemorial."

Expressing his happiness to welcome Prime Minister Deuba of Nepal in New Delhi on the auspicious day of the beginning of Navaratra today, he extended best wishes to the citizens of Nepal and India on the occasion. 

The Indian PM commended PM Deuba's role in making Indo-Nepal relations more dynamic and better, terming PM Deuba as an 'old friend' of India.

He recalled India's 'Neighbor First' policy upheld by his government since his first stint as the Prime Minister of India to give top priority to the neighboring countries. 

Asserting that India's policy towards Nepal was influenced by cordiality, he reaffirmed India's commitment to assist Nepal in its journey of peace, progress, and development. 

PM Deuba reached New Delhi on April 1 leading a 50-member delegation on a  three-day official visit to India at the invitation of his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.

Informing that there had been a discussion and review on all aspects of multi-dimensional India-Nepal relations with the Nepali delegation, Indian PM Modi said that both the countries agreed to collaborate and cooperate on the energy sector. 

He also reiterated his commitment to speed up the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project. 

Necessary efforts would be taken for India to purchase electricity from Nepal, help it to promote clean energy, and help reduce the trade deficit the country is undergoing, said PM Modi.

He also expressed the hope that the Jaynagar-Kurtha railway that comes into operation from today would help strengthen contact and relations between people of both countries. 

The Indian PM said that there would be an India-Nepal partnership in the construction of Ramayan Circuit, an integrated check post in Nepalgunj, and a police training academy, adding that they were aware about the misuse of the open border between the two countries and so were engaging in discussions on the matter. 

Saying that there have been ancient relations between the two countries due to Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu and Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, he wished Nepal's PM Deuba's visit to Kashi Vishwanath tomorrow (Sunday) would be fruitful.

(RSS)